September 2014 Talk - The Modern Army
On 5th September, the Army Engagement Team gave a presentation covering the broad topics of ‘Army’s present tasks’ and ‘How the money is spent’. The talk, by Major Twumas-Ankrah (from the Household Cavalry) and Corporal Samantha Blyth (from the Royal Logistics Corps), was backed by slides showing recent conflicts, the equipment employed, the training and wide range of tasks undertaken by a variety of Army personal. A wide variety of races are represented in the Army and the role of women, presently 7000 in number, has increased.
The main task at present is in Afghanistan and involves efforts to improve life for the population. An intriguing series of roles are undertaken, including training the Afghans, Medical Teams and the commitment to support injured soldiers, linguists and bridge-builders.
The global requirements on the Army are regularly reviewed and the level of intervention is decided by the Government after advice by the Army. Questions were asked about the Rapid Reaction Force and its level of readiness; the role of Reservists, whose numbers are to increase to 30,000, was also discussed.
Peter Sollars, Speaker Co-ordinator